Pattern Description: Loose-fitting, pullover tunic has collar or hood, shaped hemline, narrow hem and snap closing. Topstitching. Wrong side shows on hemline, and hood B. B: pocket. B and C: button and self loop.
Pattern Sizing: Y(XSmall-Small-Medium), ZZ(Large-XLarge-XXLarge)
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, quite good I thought. I don't think there's anything here that would trip up a beginner. It doesn't always give the best techniques in light of the knit fabric, but that's typical, and it would work fine as stated. I stitched all the seams on my machine, then trimmed/finished on my serger. They call for traditional set-in sleeves, but after assembling the shirt front and stitching the shoulder seams, I set the sleeves in flat.
I found Victory Patterns' tutorial for curved hems more helpful than Vogue's directions -- here it is in case you haven't seen it.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I was initially drawn to the interesting seaming/assemetry in the front, and I also liked the different options provided (hood, extended hem in back...). I disliked the amount of ease in the armscye area especially... more on this below.
Fabric Used: 100% cotton jersey from Girl Charlee
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made mostly view A, but with the addition of the sleeves from the other views (shortened 6" or so for 3/4 length).
Regarding fitting, I traced an XL, out to an XXL at the hips. That's standard for me with Big 4, casual knit top patterns. But the first time I made this pattern (test garment blogged about here), I discovered that the sizing/ease in the upper chest and armscye was much more generous than I like (which would have looked even worse if I had made it sleeveless -- they use the same front/back pieces for all views). So I reworked that area from a TNT t-shirt pattern. This brought the armscye in at least an inch towards the center front, and more than an inch higher at the side seam as well. Therefore, I also took the corresponding sleeve cap from that other pattern.
I will note, though, that this was the fit I wanted for this fabric -- cotton jersey. I'm considering a version in a sweater knit, and for that or another drapey fabric, I'd add back a little bit of that ease.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, now that I have the fit right, I would definitely make it again. I do recommend it.
Conclusion: Very cozy top that is perfect for layering and can be made in a wide variety of fabrics. A few cute details but still works up quickly and easily! More pics and deets on my blog. |
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Great job achieving such a lovely fit!
1/21/13 0:36 AM
Thank you for such an informative review. I like your solutions for fit, hemming, etc. This looks great!( I am having the same mindset about holding off on sewing the gorgeous fabrics..it's good to know I'm not the only one!)
1/21/13 0:44 AM
I think it fits great too, also love the way you finished the hem. Perfect!
1/21/13 6:04 AM
Cute and the fit is great!
1/21/13 7:58 AM
Great fit. Use the pattern for a bunch of different tops, just change the neckline.
1/21/13 9:06 AM
Your shirt is awesome, you got the fit just perfect. And I totally love that fabric, wherever did you find it. Well, I usually jump right into the fabric I really love and have to ditch it when it turns into a wadder. Your way is much better, I think. You can at least admire and fondle your fave fabric once in a while :) !!!
1/21/13 6:38 PM
Beautiful jacket. I have fabric that is too good to cut too. I try to tell myself that there will always more fabric.
1/21/13 6:58 PM
You have a perfect fit on this garment and it looks fantastic. Well done.
1/21/13 11:55 PM
Thanks all! It's good to know I'm not alone on the fabric thing. :) AuntieShel -- the fabric was from Girl Charlee!
1/22/13 0:36 AM